In Gabore Mate's book "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts" he talks about substance abuse being an escape from pain. Sometimes we are aware of what that pain is, sometimes not.
A couple of weeks ago I was able to attend a conference on the relationship between trauma and substance abuse. Dr Stephanie Covington did an excellent job of presenting and helped clarify the relationship.
Scores of over 4 on this test can be a reason why an individual is having trouble. The really interesting thing is that once the source of the pain is recognized it becomes much easier to begin to work on treating the problem.
Finding Your ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Score
While you were growing up, during your first 18 years of life:
1. Did a parent or other adult in the household often or very often...
Swear at you, insult you, put you down, or humiliate you?
or
Act in a way that made you afraid that you might be physically hurt?
Yes No If yes enter 1 ________
2. Did a parent or other adult in the household often or very often...
Push, grab, slap, or throw something at you?
or
Ever hit you so hard that you had marks or were injured?
Yes No If yes enter 1 ________
3. Did an adult or person at least 5 years older than you ever...
Touch or fondle you or have you touch their body in a sexual way?
Yes No If yes enter 1 ________
4. Did you often or very often feel that ...
No one in your family loved you or thought you were important or special?
or
Your family didn't look out for each other, feel close to each other, or support each other?
Yes No If yes enter 1 ________
5. Did you often or very often feel that ...
You didn't have enough to eat, had to wear dirty clothes, and had no one to protect you?
or
Your parents were too drunk or high to take care of you or take you to the doctor if you needed
it?
Yes No If yes enter 1 ________
6. Were your parents ever separated or divorced?
Yes No If yes enter 1 ________
7. Was your mother or stepmother:
Often or very often pushed, grabbed, slapped, or had something thrown at her?
or Ever repeatedly or threatened with violence?
Yes No If yes enter 1 ________
8. Did you live with anyone who was a problem drinker or alcoholic or who used street drugs?
Yes No If yes enter 1 ________
9. Was a household member depressed or mentally ill, or did a household member attempt suicide?
Yes No If yes enter 1 ________
10. Did a household member go to prison?
Yes No If yes enter 1 _______
Now add up your "Yes" answers: _______ This is your ACE Score
If your score is over 4 talk to a counsellor and you can begin to heal your hurt. If you are also using substances regularly this can give you an opportunity to begin to change your life.
for more on this see http://www.cdc.gov/ace/
